KarenW's Best Old Fashionedl Novels and Films
Place a Hold
Annotation:A young doctor comes to Cranford to set up practice. His new ways unsettle the inhabitants but he finds support from the backbone of this small town, the women of Cranford. Delightful novel pieced together by vignettes of village life.
Annotation:Cranford is a town run by old ladies and spinsters. But when modern times comes to the town, and old ways must change, it is up to the inhabitants to move with the times lead by this very spririted group of women.
Annotation: Gwendolen Harleth and Daniel Deronda first set eyes on each other when he redeems a necklace she has pawned. She is trying to win a fortune to replace her families lost fortune and he does the gentlemanly duty of returning it to her. Gwen always remembers this kindness and when her marriage turns out to be a sham, her husband a cruel man, she reaches out for help from Daniel. Daniel is, however, not the man he seems to be. He is assumed to be a love child of a rich man but soon finds out that he is a Jew. In Victorian England it is not an enviable position to be jewish and Daniel must find his own way to happiness.
Annotation:One of the best adaptations of this very serious novel about society and the expectations of acceptance. Daniel is not who he seems to be - a gentleman who is a love child of the aristocracy. Gwen is a high spirited young woman who's cruel husband breaks her character. Each will make choices that bring about their own destiny and salvation.
Annotation:When Louis Trevelyan sets his eyes on the lovely Emily he thinks he has found the one he has longed for. Soon his love turns to jealousy and Emily must cope with her husband's withdrawal of affections. This slowly poisons his mind and their marraige. After all, he knew he was right!
Annotation:Yummy adaptation of the story of two young marrieds who try to cope with his overwhelming jealousy. At the same time the delightful side stories place a vicar in danger of marriage to the very unsuitable and false haired Miss French's, and the good hearted Dorothy in opposition to her strong willed aunt.
Annotation:Oh, Jane! You survived so much neglect and hate and yet you had the strength to fall in love with someone you thought could give you total happiness. Sadly a secret will divide you and drive you into the wilderness. Will you find a way back into his arms? One of the best books I have ever read and re-read.
Annotation:Jane and Mr. Rochester have fallen in love only to be torn apart by a detestable secret from the past. A lovely and most perfect adaptation of the book with two fine actors in the lead who give clarity to the characters.
Annotation:Kitty's affair is found out by her husband who reacts by dragging her away from metropolitan Hong Kong to a Chinese backwater during a cholera epidemic. What she learns there about love and married life will change her forever.
Annotation:His marriage in ruins, Walter drags his wife into the heart of a cholera epidemic out of anger. What he doesn't know is that she is slowly falling in love with him. Will it be too late?
Annotation:Poor Anne Elliot! Against her better judgement she is persuaded to give up the man she loves, move to a place she doesn't like, visit a sister that treats her like dirt, and be preyed upon by her cousin. And just when she thought it couldn't get any worse, she comes face to face with the fact she may lose her love forever.
Annotation:Anne Elliot is truly at sea when her sweetheart returns. His reintroduction into her life comes at a time when the mighty Elliots are on the wane. How he reacts to her newly found bloom is truly one of the most romantic of stories. This is the best adaptation of the novel amd most realistic.
Annotation:Mrs. Bennet has quite the problem - five daughters that need husbands! Lizzie, her father's favorite, and Jane, the pretty one, are singled out for a special friendship with the Bingleys. Soon gossip is swirling about Jane and Mr. Bingley, while Lizzie is snubbed by the cold and handsome Mr. Darcy. How all is sorted out is the subject of one of the best novels in English.
Annotation:Bingley and Jane, Darcy and Lizzie, and all the other wonderful characters from the novel are portrayed in this sparkling adaptation that will keep you riveted.
Annotation:Eleanor is sensible to a fault and Marianne is too romantic Each finds the man of their dreams but neither is truly free to marry them. How each sister reacts to the rejection may be totally individual, but they never falter in their devotion to each other.
Annotation:When the Dashwoods are devestated by their father's death and their step brothers lack of generosity they have to find other lodgings. While Eleanor mourns the loss of her own love interest, the devious Willoughby preys on the romantic Marianne. It will take all their strength as a family to overcome the obstacles in their paths and find true happiness.
Annotation:Brilliantly told story of the confict between the classes is scathing in its portrayal of the upper class as a parasite. The wonderful characters are drawn cleverly and modern parallels can be drawn quite easily.
Annotation:Augustus Melmotte has tried his whole life to be one of the upper classes and now he thinks his wealth will buy him a position in this circle. The mystery surrounding his past however will threaten his daughter's future and bring down much more than he bargained for.
Annotation:In Elizabeth Gaskell's last and unfinished novel, she created a village so perfectly delightful with a cast of characters so enchanting that the reader will never want it to end.
Annotation:The beautiful Molly is smitten when the charming studious Roger first comforts her. However it is her step sister, Cynthia, that Roger is entranced with. Molly must endure her step mother's ulteriour motives, Cynthia's numerous love affairs, and the village scandalmongers to find the way to true love.
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Description
There is nothing in the world like settling in for a good story set in the past. Each of these have so many endearing qualities that you won't want to read or watch them just once. And the exciting drama, well plotted stories, and delicate humor will keep you riveted! Make some tea, get a plate of cookies and enjoy!